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Simsbury Public Schools

Committed to Excellence Every Day

School Counseling

School Counseling

A circular emblem with the words 'Respectful', 'Honorable', and 'Responsible' surrounding a blue helmet.

Welcome to the Simsbury High School Counseling Department

Simsbury High School is a unique school, rich in tradition and spirit. It is a wonderful environment in which to grow academically, personally, and socially. You will be presented with many new and exciting opportunities to explore areas of interest that will help cultivate this growth. It is the philosophy of the School Counseling Department to encourage and promote this exploration as a means of self-inquiry, and as an important tool in the development of self-awareness. We pride ourselves in understanding how individualized the developmental process is for each student and work hard to encourage choices that will help you question your assumptions, challenge your intellect, and stimulate your creativity. The School Counseling Department is a major hub of Simsbury High School and a primary source of information throughout your high school journey. Our goal is to know our students, know our families, and know the opportunities that exist for you. We look forward to a productive partnership with you, and to providing the necessary support and encouragement through these exciting years.

Greg Stillman

Director of School Counseling

News

AP Exam Registration

Students who plan to take an AP exam in May need to register and pay to take the exam(s) through Revtrak beginning October 1 through November 3. Each AP exam is $105.00.

*Please note that the College Board will no longer waive late fees for late registration or cancellation of exams. A $40.00 fee will incur for any exam paid for after our schools order deadline. Any exams purchased and unused or canceled after November 14 will also incur the $40.00 fee.

AP Terms and Conditions

College Visits

College visits are held in-person during the school day. All visits are posted in ScooLinks. If you are interested in attending, you must register for each visit and get a pass from the counseling office in the morning. You must let your classroom teachers know you want to attend the visit.

Events

Fall Award Ceremony

On January 19th, students in grade 10, 11, and 12 were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement during the 2024-25 school year. Students were recognized for being Simsbury Scholars, AP Scholars, National Merit Semifinalists, and/or National Merit Commended Scholars.

Click here to access the recording

Senior Parent Night

 On Thursday 9/11,  school counselors held our Senior Parent Night were they presented pertinent information regarding the post high school planning process. Discussed the present trends in college admissions, explained specific procedures to complete college applications, talked about the resources available to seniors, and answered questions from attendees.

View the Recording

View the PowerPoint Presentation

Counseling Staff - Simsbury High School Counseling Department

  • For SHS Graduates:
    SHS alumni requesting a transcript will need to fill out a transcript request by using the Alumni Transcript Request

  • Students should email their counselors requesting an appointment and include the following information: (email addresses can be found on the Counseling Staff Directory above this page).

    • student's full name
    • day/period/time he or she is available to meet (students are not allowed to miss class)
    • a brief description of what will be discussed

    For urgent situations, students may always come to the counseling office without making an appointment and one of the Administrative Assistants will help them.

  • Things to think about:

    • What are my talents and strengths?
    • Am I taking courses that lead to my post high school plans?
    • In which courses am I particularly strong?
    • In what areas do I need to build more skills?

    Things to do:

    • Become familiar with graduation requirements.
    • Develop a Simsbury High School personal file, highlighting academic, extra curricular and community involvement / awards.
    • Develop a relationship with your counselor and teachers.
    • Maintain strong academic performance and maintain excellent attendance record.
    • Keep a record of all grades including tests, homework, papers, etc. in all classes.
    • Seek assistance or support when needed from teachers and counselor
    • Talk with teachers, parents, and counselor about your sophomore course selections (late January).
    • Become involved in an extra-curricular activity, sports, clubs, music volunteer work, etc.
    • Review finalized 10th grade schedule with counselor in April.

  • Things to think about:

    • In which subjects did I excel?
    • Am I taking courses that lead to my post high school plans?
    • Am I giving my best to sophomore courses?
    • Of my unique talents and strengths, which would I most like to develop?
    • Am I involved in at least one extra-curricular activity or community service?
    • What potential career/post high school option have I considered?

    Things to do:

    • Update my personal file.
    • Keep a record of all grades including tests, homework, papers, etc.
    • in all classes.
    • Seek assistance from teachers and counselors when needed.
    • Take the PSAT test in October.
    • Maintain strong academic performance and maintain excellent attendance record.
    • Be aware of your graduation requirements.
    • Talk with your teachers, parents, and counselors about course selections
    • for Junior year (late January).
    • Visit counselor to explore post high school plans and interest.
    • Continue involvement in extra curricular activities.
    • Review finalized Junior schedule with counselor in April.
    • Consult with academic teacher and counselor concerning SAT Subject Tests (i.e., AP Biology)

  • Things to think about:

    Junior Year Timeline

    Resume:

    Template 1, Template 2

    • Am I taking courses that lead to my post high school plans?
    • Am I giving my best to Junior course work?
    • With which teachers have I established a strong rapport? (Potential college/job letters of recommendation).
    • Which talents or strengths might I want to further develop through college studies or post high school plans?
    • Which activities will I highlight on my college/job application?

    Things to do:

    • Update my personal file.
    • Keep a record of all grades including tests, homework, papers, etc. in all classes.
    • Take the PSAT/NMSQT test in October.
    • Continue extra curricular activities.
    • Maintain strong academic performance and an excellent attendance record.
    • Check your graduation requirements.
    • Attend Simsbury High School College Fair in April.
    • Talk with teachers, parents, and counselor about Senior year course selections.
    • Talk with parents about college needs, interests, etc.
    • Take SAT School Day in March
    • Register for SAT (May or June administration).
    • Attend post high school planning sessions for juniors in February.
    • Meet with parents and school counselor to discuss post high school plans.
    • List college choices with counselor.
    • Consult academic teachers about SAT Subject tests.
    • If taking an AP course, register for AP Exams (May).
    • Schedule interviews and college visits for Spring, Summer and/or Fall.
    • Review Senior schedule with counselor in April.
    • Continue to explore career options.

  • Things to think about:

    • Am I continuing to challenge myself?
    • Have I written for college catalogues, applications, financial aid information, etc.?
    • Am I giving my best to senior course work?
    • Have I obtained enough information about the colleges of my choice and application deadlines?
    • Am I meeting with my counselor regularly?
    • Have I made campus visits to my top colleges?

    Things to do:

    • Update my personal file - finalize resume - see counselor.
    • Register for SAT Reasoning* and SAT Subject Tests; *see counselor before registering.
    • Maintain strong academic record and attendance.
    • Check your graduation requirements.
    • Seek assistance from teacher and counselors when needed.
    • Continue extra curricular activities and community involvement.
    • Meet with counselor to finalize post high school planning (September-November).
    • Meet with college representatives during visits (September - November).
    • Complete college applications (September - December).
    • Be aware of deadlines including early decision and early action options.
    • Complete Local Scholarships application in January.
    • Attend Financial Aid meetings.
    • Have parents complete the Financial Aid Form with FAFSA on the web. (Available on October 1)
    • If taking an AP course, register for AP exams (February).

  • TBD

  • Beginning in September we will be having in-person visits during the school day. College admission counselors interested in a visit should sign up in SchooLinks.

    For questions about how to register for a visit, please contact Ms. Turner at jturner@simsburyschools.net or by calling
    860-658-0451 extension 439

  • Frequently Requested Forms:

  • List of Outside Internships

  • Below is a website created by an SHS student, intended to provide information on mental health and resources available for students

    The Power of Mental Health

  • Students looking for employment, volunteer, and college/career opportunities are encouraged to check the counseling office's Opportunities Board. If you are interested in providing opportunities please contact Ms. Turner at jturner@simsburyschools.net

  • Researching Colleges

    College Visits

    Interview

    Resume

    The Application

    Admissions Decisions
    FAIR TEST    : Here you will find a listing of colleges and universities that do not require ACT or SAT scores.

    The College Essay

    Financial Aid

    IMPORTANT FAFSA INFORMATION - 9/15/16

    Helpful Financial Aid Links
    Information that encompasses the financial pieces of the college application process is available online.

    Gap Year Options

    Gap Year Fair
    Conard High School
    West Hartford , CT

    Careers in the Military

    Connecticut Trade Schools Directory

    Connecticut Technical Schools

    Porter and Chester Institute

    Lincoln College of New England

    Goodwin University Website

    Lincoln Educational Services

    DeVry University

    Learn How To Become Website

  • For all forms and information related to NCAA eligibility requirements for Division I, II and II athletics, please visit our SHS Athletics/NCAA webpage.

  • ACT

    (ACT) American College Test

    All four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the ACT, but different institutions place different emphases on standardized tests such as the ACT, compared to other factors of evaluation such as class rank, GPA, and extracurricular activities. The main four tests are scored individually on a scale of 1–36, and a Composite score is provided which is the whole number average of the four scores. Note that a composite score of 32.5 rounds up to a 33.

    The most current information on the ACTs (including registrations and test dates) is available at The ACT website

    AP (Advanced Placement) Exams

    Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in the United States and Canada, created by the College Board, which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students.

    American colleges and universities often grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations. The AP curriculum for each of the various subjects is created for the College Board by a panel of experts and college-level educators in that field of study. For a high school course to have the AP designation, the course must be audited by the College Board to ascertain that it satisfies the AP curriculum. If the course is approved, the school may use the AP designation and the course will be publicly listed on the AP Course Ledger. (Wikipedia.com)

    AP Terms and Conditions

    ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is offered at SHS in February. Any student who isn't able to attend can still take the test by contacting a local military recruiter.

    ASVAB Prep Questions

    PSAT (9th, 10th, 11th grade)

    Parents of Sophomores and Juniors

    Khan Academy - College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free practice tests to help students improve academic skills and prepare for the SAT. The practice tests are customized using the students’ actual PSAT results. Students need to link their College Board account with their Khan Academy account if they have not already done so.

    For more information about PSAT scores please click on these links: Youtube Video

    If you have any questions after reviewing your student’s score report please contact the student’s school counselor. The PSAT/NMSQT® is highly relevant to your future success because it focuses on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. It measures:

    • What you learn in high school
    • What you need to succeed in college

    The PSAT/NMSQT measures reading, writing and language, and math skills developed over many years, both in and out of school.

    The PSAT/NMSQT does not ask for facts from literature, history, or science, or recall of math formulas, because it measures your reasoning and critical thinking skills.

    You don’t have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before.

    There is no penalty for guessing.

    The test length is 2 hours, 45 minutes

    SAT

    Test Prep Links:

  • Job Postings can be found on the Opportunities Board and on the bulletin board outside of the School Counseling Office. If you would like to provide employment opportunities please contact Ms. Turner at jturner@simsburyschools.net.

    Working papers are required for all 16 & 17 year old minors. Working papers are obtained in the SHS Main Office upon presentation of a promise of employment from the employer.

    Permitted Occupations/Hours of Work

    • Permitted Occupations/Working Hours for 14 & 15 year olds
    • Permitted Occupations/Working Hours for 16 & 17 year old minors
    • Permitted Occupations/Working Hours for persons under 18 ENROLLED IN and not graduated from a secondary institution

    Other information for youth/workers under the age of 18

    Questions? Call the Wage & Workplace Standards Division at (860) 263-6791 or visit the Department of Labor website

    Don't work too long, don't work too late, stay in school, GRADUATE!